Manager of Training

Contact at organisation: Erica Peters, Leader Dogs for the Blind

Phone: 2482186415

Email: erica.peters@leaderdog.org

SUMMARY

The Manager of Training oversees the strategic and day to day direction of the training and field services departments, ensuring a quality client experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Recruits, mentors, develops and successfully manages a high performing team. Demonstrates understanding and use of performance enhancement tools/methods. Develops necessary action plans to achieve success.
•  Manages canine training and works in collaboration with the Manager of Canine Quality Assurance to ensure dog evaluations within the training process meet all identified standards and criteria for a Leader Dog.
• Effectively leads Supervisors to ensure team members provide quality canine and client training, field services and follow up.
• Oversees holdover and return dog procedures; utilizes data collected for continuous process improvement.
• Design, implement and monitor effectiveness of new and alternative dog training techniques, policies, procedures and curriculum.
• Administers monthly team dog pickup process in collaboration with Breeding, Puppy Development, Canine Care and Team Supervisors.
• Manages and tracks all training department metrics.
• Prepares, provides and monitors canine handling policies, procedures and material for class and client education.
• Utilizes client feedback and survey data for continuous quality improvement.
• Ensures team supports the use of the performance process including goal setting, performance reviews, feedback, and professional development.
• Designs, reviews and implements department standard operating procedures.
• Ensures staffing matrix and guide dog production for all programs are accurate and on target. reports deviations from the strategic plan and develops action plans to course correct.
• Assigns and attends marketing and philanthropic events where appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 5 years of related experience as a qualified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor from a school recognized by IGDF. Previous experience supervising others. Additional years of experience may be substituted for the university requirement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

•  Ability to develop alternative training curriculums, using data and metrics to evaluate effectiveness. Implements quality process improvements with unwavering commitment.
• Strong knowledge of and experience in the principles, practices and techniques of guide dog training and orientation and mobility instruction.
• Provides regular, actionable and developmental feedback to team members during all phases of their training.
• Analyzes customer satisfaction and implements quality process improvements to ensure superior customer experience.
• This position may be required to be on campus when deemed necessary at the direction of management.
• Able to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings/weekends.
• Ability to work well under pressure, handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines; must have the ability to work independently, be self-directed with little or no supervision.
• Possesses sound business judgment, exercise professional conduct, understand and follow business ethics and standards, and maintain a high level of confidentiality in all duties.
• Proficient in latest version of Microsoft Office products.
• Possesses a valid driver’s license and passport with no restrictions and the ability to travel as needed.
• Comfortable with and willing to work around large dogs.
• Willing to perform general public relations duties on behalf of Leader Dog (perform tours, answer general questions, be a professional and courteous representative of Leader Dog, etc.).
• Able to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions with employees that promote positive teamwork, as well as with volunteers, donors, clients and all constituents of Leader Dog. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from others.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, crouch, kneel and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to sit, use the phone, and drive. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception in order to effectively assess canine behavior, potential hazards, and safely monitor client and canine instruction. Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions and walk distances consistent with training program needs for clients and dogs.

Leader Dogs for the Blind reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities and position title as it deems necessary to meet the needs of its business.

Leader Dogs for the Blind is an at-will employer. This means that the employment relationship may be ended at any time without notice by the employer or employee for any reason. Neither this document, nor any manual issued by Leader Dogs for the Blind, is a contract of employment.